British Voters Back Closer Ties with EU on Farming, Defence, and Youth Exchange Schemes

Strategic Insights -

A YouGov poll commissioned by pro-EU campaign group Best for Britain has found that a majority of British voters back closer ties with the EU on various fronts, ahead of a major summit between British and European leaders. The poll of 4,703 adults between the end of March and start of April revealed that 69% of respondents support closer defence ties with the EU, 53% back alignment on animal and plant standards, and 63% are in favour of a youth mobility scheme. The survey also showed that 52% of respondents are open to aligning on all EU rules on goods and products, and 71% are supportive of a common customs regulation approach.

Key Takeaways:

  • 69% of British voters support closer defence ties with the EU, according to a YouGov poll commissioned by Best for Britain.
  • 53% back alignment on animal and plant standards, while 21% are opposed.
  • A majority of voters, 63%, are in favour of a youth mobility scheme, which could see young Britons travel to the EU without restrictions to work and study, and vice versa.
  • 52% of respondents are open to aligning on all EU rules on goods and products, while 71% are supportive of a common customs regulation approach.
  • The polling suggests that Labour voters who are considering switching to Reform UK are also supportive of closer ties with the EU, with 72% backing a common customs approach with Europe.
  • 4% of Labour voters believe the current Brexit deal "goes too far," while a clear majority of voters support a closer relationship with the EU.

Statistics:

  • 4,703 adults were polled between the end of March and start of April.
  • 69% of respondents support closer defence ties with the EU.
  • 53% backed alignment on animal and plant standards, while 21% were opposed.
  • 63% are in favour of a youth mobility scheme.
  • 52% are open to aligning on all EU rules on goods and products.
  • 71% are supportive of a common customs regulation approach.
  • 72% of Reform UK-considering Labour voters back a common customs approach with Europe.

Sources:

  • YouGov polling commissioned by Best for Britain.
  • Quote from Andrew Lewin, Labour chairman of the UK Trade and Business Commission.
  • Quote from Naomi Smith, chief executive of Best for Britain.